Class: Grade 8, General Science Unit: Volcanoes Topic: Volcanic Ash
Instructional Objectives:
Analyze the properties of a volcanic ash sample and its general composition.
Develop a working definition for the word "ash."
Observe two samples of rock formed by consolidated ash.
Introduction:
Now that students have learned about how volcanoes can create different kinds of rocks, we will move on to learn the characteristics of ash, which is fragmented rock. I will explain that we are learning about volcanic ash because it is a byproduct of volcanoes and has a huge impact on the environment.
I will say, “Today we continue on with our unit about volcanoes by learning about ash. Ash is one of the products made and released by volcanoes, but which we generally do not think about when discussing a volcanic eruption. Generally when we think about a volcanic eruption we think about the damage done by lava, but ash can be just as destructive. I decided to teach you about ash after rocks because ash is created from rocks. By the end of class you will each analyze a sample of volcanic ash to learn its general composition. This understanding will help prepare you for our lab activity tomorrow.”
Today's lesson will begin with the students observing the properties of pumice that will be passed around the classroom. I will ask the students their opinions on how they believe this rock formed and how its properties differ from the previous rocks we have been examining. I will then ask the students to scrape the rocks to create fragments and ask "what do you think these fragments are?" We will then begin creating our working definition for the word "ash."
Activities & Assignments:
20 minutes: Observe the properties of two samples of pumice and create fragments of "ash" to observe. Discussion of these observations.
45 minutes: Experiment - Investigating the Properties of Ash - students examine the properties of a volcanic ash sample and discuss how these properties reveal its composition. Complete questions from reflection section of book.
15 minutes: Review of experiments main ideas.
17 minutes: Read "Mt. St. Helens Erupts" from textbook.
Materials Needed:
Textbooks
Samples of pumice
Ash samples
Dust masks
Safety goggles
vinegar & carbonated beverage
flasks
beakers
balances
tote trays
Resources for Lesson:
O'Donnell, C. (2000). Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Schools; Catastrophic Events. Burlington, North Carolina: Carolina Biological Supply Company.
Unit: Volcanoes
Topic: Volcanic Ash
Instructional Objectives:
Introduction:
Now that students have learned about how volcanoes can create different kinds of rocks, we will move on to learn the characteristics of ash, which is fragmented rock. I will explain that we are learning about volcanic ash because it is a byproduct of volcanoes and has a huge impact on the environment.
I will say, “Today we continue on with our unit about volcanoes by learning about ash. Ash is one of the products made and released by volcanoes, but which we generally do not think about when discussing a volcanic eruption. Generally when we think about a volcanic eruption we think about the damage done by lava, but ash can be just as destructive. I decided to teach you about ash after rocks because ash is created from rocks. By the end of class you will each analyze a sample of volcanic ash to learn its general composition. This understanding will help prepare you for our lab activity tomorrow.”
Today's lesson will begin with the students observing the properties of pumice that will be passed around the classroom. I will ask the students their opinions on how they believe this rock formed and how its properties differ from the previous rocks we have been examining. I will then ask the students to scrape the rocks to create fragments and ask "what do you think these fragments are?" We will then begin creating our working definition for the word "ash."
Activities & Assignments:
Materials Needed:
Resources for Lesson:
O'Donnell, C. (2000). Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Schools; Catastrophic Events. Burlington, North Carolina: Carolina Biological Supply Company.
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